Love Advice Column

We're kicking off this new column for the day of love, Valentine's Day!

Where are all the men? -A

Dear A,

The gorgeous and sassy ladies do not want you to get discouraged. There are loads of men out there and they are just waiting for you to sample them. But you have to be proactive, and don't be shy. The G&S ladies are not afraid to find men in all kinds of places. As you may know, they like to take a drink now and again. In fact, Shakira picked up her current love in a favorite watering hole. She's not too good to date a man she found in a bar! Neither are you. Bars are a great meeting spot because (1) inhibitions are lowered (2) lighting is good (3) mood is festive and (4) hey, you have something in common. Drinking!

But what if you're not ready? This is where online dating comes in. A great training ground, online dating widens your dating pool immensely. Fear not if you feel there is a stigma attached to online dating. Times have changed! And you can always lie and say you met in a bar or at a party or church. Plus, you know the guys online are available. And before you meet him, you get to practice flirting, see his picture, ask him tons of personal questions, and critique his spelling and grammar. It's also a huge ego boost to see the messages in your inbox on the dating site. Trust the G&S ladies; you will have PLENTY. Especially if you post a photo as well. Even if you don't find the love of your life online dating, it gives you practice and makes you more open to the idea of meeting men in general.

And once you meet those men, don't be afraid to give them a chance. You might not like a guy, but you'll never know if you don't let him take you to dinner. Even an awful date is worth your time, because you get (1) free dinner (if you have to go Dutch or buy his, no second date) and (2) great story potential. And, the bonus is--the date might not be awful.

Give it a shot and don't lose heart.

I love my boyfriend but I question his taste in presents. One year for Valentine's Day I got a ring with a fake pink sparkly stone shaped like a heart flanked by CZs. It would be great for a 15-year-old, but not for me. That same year on my birthday he gave me $100 bill. Better than the ring, but somehow impersonal. Should I say anything to him? I don't want to seem ungrateful, but these presents seem to reflect that he doesn't know anything about me. Help! -S

Dear S,

Hmmm. This is a touchy subject. While the G&S girls feel that any expression of affection is beautiful on some level, no one wants to wear a tacky ass ring. Men seem to feel a huge amount of pressure when it comes to buying gifts. They have no clue what to get for you. Seriously. The more industrious will ask their moms--and this could prove even more disastrous. Try not to look at it as a reflection of how much he loves you. You can gently point out that while you appreciate the sentiment, the gift (such as the ring) might not be quite your style. Take him shopping and point out things you like when you see them. Circle things in catalogs and leave them around the house. He just might remember. And if he asks you point blank what you want, for God's sake, tell him! It is not unromantic. It just means you'll both be happier.

Want some Gorgeous and Sassy advice on your love life? Click here to ask us a question!

-Gigi and Shakira 02.07.07